Anyone know where I can find some seal skin for rest material. Had it on my shawnee, and have tried several other materials only to be disappointed in comparison?
We can still buy it here in Canada but it is not available for sale in the US...not sure what legislation prohibits its sale
DDave
If no luck thru a fellow TGer, try flea markets. Look for vintage hats and gloves. I found a pair of fur on sealskin gloves in SoCal while visiting a few years ago. Shoulda bought'em. They were $25.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 imposed a moratorium on the taking and importation of marine mammals in the United States. Section 102 of the Act makes it illegal "for any person, with respect to any marine mammal taken in violation of this title, to possess that mammal or any product from that mammal."
The exclusion that supposedly allowed the sale of seal skin rests in interstate commerce was this one:
"Except as provided in section 1379 of this title, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply with respect to the taking of any marine mammal by any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who resides in Alaska and who dwells on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean if such taking—
(1) is for subsistence purposes; or
(2) is done for purposes of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing: Provided, That only authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing may be sold in interstate commerce: And provided further, That any edible portion of marine mammals may be sold in native villages and towns in Alaska or for native consumption. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing" means items composed wholly or in some significant respect of natural materials, and which are produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional native handicrafts without the use of pantographs, multiple carvers, or other mass copying devices. Traditional native handicrafts include, but are not limited to weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing and painting; and
(3) in each case, is not accomplished in a wasteful manner."
I use "supposedly" because I'm skeptical that the sale of seal skin rests ever satisfied this provision. That skepticism is apparently shared by all the national retailers that I know of who formerly sold the rests but have ceased doing so.
I got a piece from a tradgang member who had bought an old sealskin coat. If I can remember who it was, I will forward his name to you. He may have some left.
sticshooter used to have some, how much do you need?
Yep it was sticshooter.
I don't want to put the link here but just google seal skin scraps and you will find some.
I just need enough to have plenty of extra rest material. Just in case. Anything would work! Thanks if anyone can get me some!
Email me your address and I will send you piece.
distantbear@verizon.net